zlacker

My understanding is that "color of law" merely refers to the state of being where a person is acting in an official capacity. It imparts no legality or illegality of actions per se, but statutes might criminalize or decriminalize activity based on whether or not a person is acting under color of law.

What GP is referring to is a provision in the federal law that specifically criminalizes police activity undertaken under color of law. (Reading the statute, in this scenario, the police officer can be charged up to and including the death penalty).

As far as I'm aware, states' statutes for murder or manslaughter do not protect people acting under color of law.

>>jcranm+(OP)
>*As far as I'm aware, states' statutes for murder or manslaughter do not protect people acting under color of law.

Phew. thank you. Hopefully maiming is not protected as well.